Minnich's Musings

Democratic National Convention Thoughts

2008-08-29T05:41:00.000-07:00

Well, it is finally over. The week that was "supposed to revolutionize Americans' way of thinking." I guess I should say that I have heard all of the speeches and watched all the public opinion clips and say that I have gone left of the line, but it just has not happened. I watched the majority of the DNC and I guess I have a few thoughts that I have come to the conclusion too.

1. Democrats don't care what freedoms they have to give up providing that it is not to a Republican or anyone that sides with Bush.

In other words to them it is okay to hand over all of your medical records and medical history to the government providing you get better health care.

2. Senator Biden's statements about his expertise in foreign policy is just ludicrous. What does a senator from Delaware no about Russia's aggression towards Georgia? Not to mention his numerous mistakes in interview in the last year about the war in Iraq.

3. Why is the grand daughter of Republican President Eisenhower speaking? Who cares?

4. Regarding Sen. Obama's acceptance speech it was impressively charismatic. McCain can not match that. However, his comments about changing everything (Don't fool yourself in thinking he is just referring to economy either) may have alienated himself from middle-of-the-raoders. He made a lot of campaign promises that are impossible to keep without the taxing the bejeebees off of us (i.e. health care that rivals the government's care, higher wages for everyone, natural fuel, and even his buildup of military weaponry.) As far as his pot shot at Sen. McCain about "country first", hey I think you could clear a lot up if you would wave a flag once in a while. The last statement he made about scripture saying hold onto the hope that we confess. Way out of context unless he really thinks he is the anointed one or the Messiah.

I Am Back

2008-08-16T15:44:00.001-07:00

Well, the summer is finally over for me. After three months of heat exhausting work and overeating, I am finally back to school. I am very excited for many reasons but one being I have access to the internet again. With that in mind, I will return to the blogger world for my faithful readers.. .all two of you. My first official post will be on Monday after my first day back at school.

Sports City Par Excellence

2008-06-07T07:49:00.000-07:00

I love sports. I love every thing about them. I love the competiveness, I love the passions, I love the sweat. Yes, that's right I said I love the sweat. One of the things that I appreciate the most about sports is the atmosphere it creates. One of the largest contributors to the atmosphere it creates is the city it is located in. A city that supports its sports is a city worth blogging about. I don't know about you but it disgusts me when an owner wants to move a franchise away from a city that loves their teams. Seattle is doing everything they can to keep their SuperSonics but the owner is looking at the dollar signs. I know who ever thought of a franchise in Oklahoma City? Let me give you what I think is the best sports city in America. Detroit. Yes, the city is dying economically and yes the city is as crime ridden as the Barack Obama headquarters but she loves her sports teams. Even though perennially they have usually been losers. How else do you describe die hard Lions fans showing up to games. I would like to know what you think is one of the best sports cities. Perhaps New York or Chicago or Pittsburgh or even a small town that maybe you know about.

Summer time Blues

2008-05-20T09:34:00.000-07:00

Wow! I cannot believe I finally have a moment to update this blog. I have been going non-stop for about three weeks. The end of the school year for a teacher is a pathetic time. The students all rejoice because they now have three months of freedom, but the teacher now has the endless job of grading their poo (exams). I have never been a fan of summer, never. When I was a kid I hated it. When I was a teenager I hated it. When I was in college I especially hated it. Now, that I am an adult I despise it. I hate hot weather. I am a rather large individual with sensitive skin. Hot sun...lots of skin... you do the math. I look a giant red ball in the summer. Not attractive. Of course, Josh you would understand what I am talking about. Then there is the temporary work you do in the summer. As a teacher I get the summer off from school but I need the extra money so I work. I do landscaping. God never intended that man work that hard and that long in the sun. It is an unbearable task. So please, fall come quickly. What do you think of summer?

"Team Hot Route" in a Surprising Victory!

2008-05-01T08:48:00.000-07:00

Well, the news is out. After years of secret training in our northern headquarters, "Team Hot Route" has made their first public appearance. Their combined strengths of wit, sarcasm, honesty, and yes even physical prowess have taken the blogging world by storm. Led by their indomitably chubby captain, Team Hot Route, the team also features a combination of potentially capable voices. You can see what they did in their first major competition against Diamond Ric Flair. Stay tuned to the always entertaining website, Southern Sports Beat , for more news.

Protection of the State?

2008-04-23T06:06:00.000-07:00

Let me just begin by saying that I am by no means in support of polygamy. I am also not a Mormon and believe with every fiber of my being that it is a cult. However, as an American citizen I would fight for the protection of the Mormon's right to believe their religion. I do, of course, think that they were wrong and in violation of American law with their heinous culture of polygamy. It is a despicable act and it should be punished to the full extent of the law. I don't believe, however, that the children should be taken from their mothers. It is not the state's authority nor right, given by the people, to step into the affairs of the children. In many instances, the mothers had no choice in the matters that went on at the compound in Texas. I don't understand where they are coming from at all. I know that they say that there were cases of abuse but they have not shown any at all. I think if there was abuse and they do prove it then yes they should protect the children. But, this is just one more step towards a completely government run nation. I still believe in a Constitution instituted by the people and for the people.

God Get Me Through the Next Four Months!!!

2008-04-10T10:45:00.000-07:00

It is over. What do I do? I am seriously contemplating dying. Major college sports is over until August. I know you can say there is always NCAA baseball, but let's face it... the only people that watch that everyday are either sports psychos or people to lazy to change the batteries in the remote. There is nothing other than NCAA football and basketball that I love more. It really is a toss up between my wife and a good OSU football game. There is just something about hearing the bands play when they come running out onto the field or after a thunderous dunk. I love it and I am going to miss it. What am I left with until August? The NBA playoffs? I can watch the Eastern Conference bore each other to death only to get to the NBA Championship Series to get blown away by the Western Conference, again. Or maybe this year we will get to watch someone else in June other than the Spurs. There is always the MLB, I guess. I love baseball.... in May and in October. Guess, maybe I will have to take up a hobby or something and just dream about the day that I will hear again the faint sounds of college fanfare or the trumpets of "One Shining Moment". All I have is my memories. What are your favorite memories of NCAA sports this year, whether basketball or football?

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

2008-04-02T07:01:00.000-07:00

Well, it is finally here. I am pumped about this year's season. I know there are some baseball haters out there who think that the game is dead, but I beg to differ. There is just something about the game that springs up feelings of passion and excitement. I think I am looking forward more to this season than any other season in a long time. Probably because my team, the Detroit Tigers, have an awesome chance at winning the bigs this year. Their lineup is stacked offensively. Who would not want the likes of Granderson, Polanco, Guillen, Ordonez, Renteria, Jones, Rodriguez, and Sheffield batting in their lineup? Or a starting rotation with Verlander, Bonderman, Rogers, Willis, and a closer like Todd Jones? The only major problem that is forseen is that middle relief, as evidenced by opening day against KC. I am making my picks this year that in the AL: Seattle will win the west, Detroit the Central, Boston the East, and Cleveland to be the Wild Card. In the NL: Atlanta will win the East, Chicago the Central, Arizona the West, and the Mets will be the Wild Card. My World Series winner will be Detroit over the Cubs. There it is. Let's hear your picks.

Memories: the Fabric of Life

2008-03-26T09:40:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, I have recently purchased a home and am planning on moving March 31st. With this step comes the fun of packing. For those that know me, I am not an organized person nor am I the neatest or cleanest person. However, as much as I have been dreading this process of having to "clean up my mess", I have been pleasantly surprised by what I have found. Every new box that I open and try to figure out what it is that is going to be kept or thrown away has revealed a treasured item that brings back so many great memories. I recently ran across my yearbook from my senior year in high school and that just sent memories flooding back to me. Man, I have not talked to probably 90% of the people in that book in years but looking at pictures just brought back floods of conversations with them that I remember from almost ten years. In one box I found dozens of letters and cards that my wife and I wrote each other during college. Wow, was I really bad at that. I found toys and stuffed animals that I have had since childhood. Memories are great and I know that Josh has blogged about this before but I felt that I needed to say something to. The past is a very important part of our life. It is the past that often the reveals the most about us. These momentos that I mentioned and some that I did not mention brought back a side of me that I often do not get to enjoy now in the present. I love to stop and think about my friends that I have had in the past and am thankful that the majority of them are still my friends today. Looking at that High School yearbook made me realize that I do not acknowledge enough what some have meant to me. I just wanted to mention a couple people that have meant alot to me. So thanks, lilbilly, for all the great memories we had in high school and college. Josh, college was horrible but the memories are priceless. The rest of you I appreciate all the memories we have made and am looking forward to new ones. Let me know maybe what memories you recently remembered.

The Quickest Way to Visit Your Local Hospital or Heaven Wrapped in Grease

2008-03-17T07:00:00.001-07:00

I apologize about the tardiness of updating my blog. I was in Michigan for a few days at State Line Christian School for their annual Fine Arts Competition.

Alright, let's get down to business. This time of year, March, I have several things that I have to take into consideration when grocery shopping. One of those things is the fact that I will not be home the third week in March every year. I will be attending the annual Pastor's School in Hammond, and with that comes my favorite part of the week.... the food. Yes, folks this is the week when all diets and hopes of survival go out the window. This is what I like to call the Daytona 500 of all weeks. This is the Super Bowl of food lovers. This is the week when I have no choice but to gourge myself with fast food. I do not have to use lame excuses anymore like, "But, honey, if I don't get ecoli how can God show his might in protecting us." Another favorite excuse of mine is, "Adam, it is alright to down two whoppers in one setting, think of the millions of people that have no food. You are merely enjoying the bounties of God's belssings on you." With this this in mind let me give you my favorite fast food sandwiches and thet let me hear from you. For those of you who are health nuts let me just tell you this. YOU ARE GOING TO DIE!!! Just accept it and eat like God intended us to... with grease dripping from our faces.

#5 Spicy Chicken Sandwich from Wendy's

I am not very big on spicy or hot foods but this.. this is an exception. It is like a party, a hot party, in your mouth. Dave Thomas, you are a genius and I love you more than any other dead man in the world.

#4 Papa Burger from A&W

Ok, there is a reason that this is called the Papa Burger. Because it treats all other burgers like it is their daddy. I have no idea what goes on the burger but all I know is that I get a tingly sensation every time I bite into its warm, juicy buns. You may think that I am some sort of freak, but I think of myself as someone who just enjoys eating a good burger.

#3 Beef Baja Chalupa from Taco Bell

Muy bien. The Mexicans certainly did something right when they came up with this delectible treat. I must admit that had I known all Mexican women could make these, I would marry one in a heart beat.

#2 Big Mac from McDonalds

Classic. Two all beef patties on two sesamie seed buns with thousand island, pickles, and lettuce. I think this is what George Washington and the founding fathers had in mind when they were freezing in Valley Forge. They thought to themselves, "Someday, this will be a land when men may freely choose what they will eat."

#1 Whopper from Burger King

I really don't need to explain it because right now you are feeling it. That's right, right now you are feeling a big whopper. God bless the man that thought of the char broiled burger.

How In God's Name?

2008-03-05T13:25:00.001-08:00

I don't know about you but I am so depressed everytime I get payed! I know that is not the way most people think, but I am not most people. Every time I get paid, at first it is a little joy in my heart. "Money, I worked so hard for this," I tell myself. Then almost like a giant fat person rolling on top of me crushing the very breath out of my lungs, I remember what I have to do with that check. It is so depressing to know after Uncle Sam takes his usual 20% to use for absolutely nothing, that I can look forward to spending the rest on.... gasoline. If your gas stations are like ours here in Chicago, they stop after $50.00. How sad is it that you have to stop, put the pump up, and pull it back it out like three times a pop. There are so many better things that I could do with that money that is going into my car. I mean, really. I know I am not the only one that feels this way. I came out of the gas station the other day and saw someone lying on the ground bawling their eyes out because they could not afford medicine for their child becasue they had to put three gallons of gas in their car. Okay, maybe I exagerrated on that, but still. I am all for going back to horse and wagons. I know that I would have to clean up horse poo poo but, hey at least I would not feel so sad that I got paid. I want that boy like glee again when I see my paycheck, not "Oh why did I get paid, why... why me?!"

Top Five People I Would Have Liked To Have Met

2008-02-27T08:17:00.000-08:00

Being a history fan and really a fan of people, I have often wondered what it would have been like to live in different time periods of history. I, of course, realize that I live in the greatest generation in history and do not regret being alive at this time period in history at all. But still, it would be awesome to get a chance to sit down and converse with some of the greatest people that history has ever produced. Here is my list of the top five people that have preceded me in history. I hope that you will likewise let me know if there is anyone you wish that you would have had a chance to talk with.

#5 Martin Luther - Defender of the Faith

This is the man that changed the face of the last millenium. Without his fearless and uncompromising stand, who knows if we would be out of the Dark Ages yet.

#4 George Washington - Father of our Country

Leadership summed up is George Washington. His courage and unyielding determination willed a rag- tag group of farmers to defeat the world's largest empire. Likewise, his leadership abilities held together a fledgling nation through her first few days of infancy.

#3 Julius Caesar - Creator of Rome

No empire at that time or since that time demanded as much respect as did the Romans. I would love to be there when he defiantly rejected the Senate and crossed the Rubicon River. I would have loved to be there to see the hords of Romans paying homage to him as he addresses the masses.

#2 Ronald Reagan - Defender of Capitalism

Obviously, if you know me then you know that I am a huge Ronald Reagan fan. The Great Communicator was a master diplomat with a bulldog sense of duty. I wish that I could be present in the summits with Premier Gorbachev and President Reagan. I wish I could be there to talk to him as he explains is ideologies and combats the Communist world leaders.

#1 Jesus Christ - Lover of Man

What an honor it would be to sit down and talk to Christ when He was alive on this earth! To hear Him give the sermon on the mount, to watch Him heal the lame, raise the dead, and touch the crippled. Iwish that I could be there the night before in Gethsemane and hear Him pray. Wow, what an amazing person.

The End of an Era

2008-02-19T11:58:00.000-08:00

With the resignation of 81 year old Fidel Catsro as president of Cuba today, the world sees its longest rule come to an end. It also sees the end of an era in world history. The Cold War sees its last icon pass on. Since coming to power in 1959, Castro had turned the island of Cuba into a Communist power less than 100 miles from American shores. It was he that fueled the nuclear scares of the 1960s in American cities across the Gulf. Although Castro stepped down as acting president in July 2006, he remained a force in Cuban decisions. President Bush has spoken that he is pledged to help the Cuban people but does not think Cuba will embrace democratic principles under the rule of Castro's brother Raul. In Miami today the majority of the Cuban population honked their horns and bought and sold Cuban flags in celebration of his decision. When the Soviet Union fell in 1989, so did the Cuban economy. Only recently had Cuban economy taken an upturn as a result of tourism. Although as freedom-loving Americans we are happy by the news. We also cannot help but wonder what will happen in Cuba. It sure makes you appreciate what we as Americans have. Although one may be a Democrat or a Republican, we all know that come January, America will have a peaceful transfer of power. God bless the USA.

Places to See Before I Die

2008-02-13T08:23:00.000-08:00

As I was proctoring (that's right I used the word proctoring) a test this morning to some of my Junior High students, I glanced over at my day to day calendar that I received for Christmas. The calendar is the "1001 Places To See Before I Die" and I received it from one of my students. Once I got past the initial shock of seeing a gift, that said I was going to die, I realized all the beautiful places there are in the world. I also examined the fact that albeit I am only 25, let's face it, I eat like a horse and my idea of exercise if rolling down the window at a drive through. When McDonalds has their 2 for $3 sale on Big Macs, I buy them in large quantities and make up a depressing moment just so I can devour them. Anyway, I got to thinking since I am just waiting for my heart attack, where would I most like to visit? I thought I have always liked to see Europe and especially Germany. I am intrigued by her green meadows, her black forests, her medievil cities, and of course, her messed up folk wear. Is there anything better than wearing German lenderhosen? Actually, all kidding aside, I really would like to see Germany before I die. As a fanatic of history, there is no better place to study history than in the rich culture of the Deutschland. I really would love to hear maybe if there is a place you would like to see before you pass!

Top Dog

2008-02-11T08:41:00.000-08:00

With football season ended, it is now time for the devoted sports fan to start his preparation for the magic that is March. However, we still have a few more exciting weeks of waiting. With this in mind, let's turn to another topic. Bobby Knight resigned last week as the winningest coach in men's NCAA history. With three national championships, scores of conference championships, and an impeccable number of academic achievements by his players, he was unparalleled in his greatness. Whether you like him or not, you cannot argue with his capabilities as a basketball mastermind. I saw this topic on Yahoo this morning and I thought it would be an interesting topic to think about. Who is the best coach now in basketball? With that in mind, I would also like to hear your comments on maybe great coaches in other sports. Since this is my blog of my musings, I personally think that Roy Williams is the top coach in the country right now. Let it begin!

Is Putin's Power Biblical?

2008-02-06T08:08:00.000-08:00

In the opening post of this blog I said that this blog would be about everything that interests me. This particular subject especially interests me, although I imagine it will not be of a great interest to others. When the Soviet Union, and in partucular, Communism fell in 1989, there was a spirit of excitement over all of Europe and even in the United States that perhaps world peace would be finally achieved. Ten years later, in 1999, a former KGB officer and the former Soviet Union's top spy came to power in Russia. Vladimir Putin immediately vowed to return Russia's military might. He did just that. In 2004, he led Russia in its largest maneuvers of nuclear forces in over two decades. He, also in December of that year, ordered the test launch of a Cold war-era ICBM. This was the first time one had been tested since the USSR collapsed. In a speech offered to the Russian people in April of 2005, he made the statement to the affect that the fall of the USSR was the greatest tragedy of the 20th century and it is her destiny to reunite! He said that to fight terrorism, Russia and her once owned federations should unite. In documeted interviews in 2000, Putin said his personal mission in life is to "stop the collapse of the Soviet Union." He claimed in 2004 that when his term ends in 2008, he will not try to prolong his term. However, in December of 2007, he offered to join Belarus and Russia thus prolonging his terms. Putin is destroying the democratic ideals that were institutted in 1989, resocializng the Russian economy, takeng over the Russian media, rebuilding the Russina military, forming alliances with Islamic nations, and selling arms to Iran and North Korea. Vladimir Putin is a dangerous man that even the Russian people agree on.

The point of this post, however is, could Putin be the man that triggers the bear of the north in her attack on Israel in the future? In Ezekiel 38, you read of the batle of Gog and Magog, which theologians and historians for centuries have agreed that this is in reference to Russia. Could Putin be the one that starts Russia down her path of destiny? In my opinion, we are drawing closer to the time of the Second Coming of Christ. Russia is a member of the European Union and is terrifying the West and the world. Satan is not omnipotent nor omniscient, in other words, he knows not when Christ will return. He has to be ready with every thing in place in every generation since he does not know when that day will be. I really do think that he is putting everything he can into order right now, thinking this may be it. The signs are everywhere, the Temple is ready to be resurrected in Israel and the world is becoming one world with the power increase of Europe and the social plans of most major leaders internationally. The weather and natural disasters have everyone wondering what is going on. Let me know what you think abut everything, if you do have an opinion.

Never Fear, Underdog Is Hear!

2008-02-04T06:09:00.000-08:00

Wow! That is all I really need to say. Everyone loves a David and Goliath story, and last night's performance by Eli Manning was nothing short. Going into the fourth quarter it seemed that the only great thing about last night was the commercials. Perhaps, even the 5 inches of snow last night we registered here in Chicago. Then, almost like a movie, it seemed the music started to change into a triumphant fanfare music as Eli Manning became a man. I know very cliche but I have always wanted to use that phrase. When Tom Brady scored with about 2 minutes left, I thought well that's that. The pivotal 3rd and 5 play where Eli Mannning avoided like 5 bazillion tacklers and threw a 32 yard bomb that his receiver had to catch on his head was quite possibly the biggest play I ever seen in my football watching life. I cannot tell you how happy I am that the Patriots could not cash in on a perfect season when they did not deserve it. Eli Manning, thank you for last night.

Best Sports Movies Of The Ages

2008-01-31T13:14:00.000-08:00

If you are like me, than you like to mix up your Saturday nights every once and while and just sit down, pop in a video, and relax. However, then you are faced with dilemnas that sometimes can take hours to resolve. You have all been there. Do I go to Blockbuster right now? Do I try to find one I already own? Do I stare out my window at the neighbor's big screen tv and just watch what they are watching? Okay, maybe that last one is just for cheap dopes like me, but we all have similar issues. One of the biggest questions is, "Which genre of movie do I feel in the mood for?" Well, everyone loves the action flicks, or the nail biters that make you relieve your bodily fluids on yourself and not even think twice about it. But, what about a movie that could entail all of these options? There is just something about a good sports movie that does that for you. I want to know what you think is the best sports movie out there. I know there are some good ones like Rocky, Friday Night Lights, Brian's Song, The Longest Yard, Miracle, or even Caddyshack. Since this is my blog and my musings, let me give you mine, Hoosiers. I love it. But I would like to hear yours.

Giuliani to Exit Presidential Race

2008-01-30T06:06:00.001-08:00

Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani is expected to drop out of the Presidential race today after coming off a disappointing third place in the Florida primaries. This, of course, is after finishing last year in a commanding lead in pre-election polls for Republicans. He is expected to give his support for Senator McCain. The honest truth is he never really stood a chance in the election. He is a New York politician who is running in a party controlled by the Southern half of the United States. He is a moderate who advocates gay rights, gun control, and abortion in a party that has stood almost religiously in the last 50 years againt those very issues. It is amazing that the GOP even gave a semblance of backing to him. For a man who was running on his leadership capabilities alone, it is mind boggling at the indecision the man displayed in the campaign. He never could agree with even himself. However, with Giuliani dropping out, it puts the Republicans in an even bigger mess. We now have to choose between a 75 year old man, a Mormon, and a ultra-conservative politician that has relatively no national backing whatsoever. Unfortunatley with Giuliani dropping out, I think it just increased the Democrats' chances even more. He was really the only bridge that could join much of the United States back together. His views (albeit despicable) would hve tied over many of the fringe voters that will now most likely vote blue in the elections. I dislike Giuliani and I disgree with him but I would take him over Senator Clinton and Senator Obama anyday. I like Romney but I don't think he has much of a chance. With McCain,I am waiting for the CNN interuption that he has just had a major coronary or a stroke. Cynical but real. I really hope Huckabee will drop out of the race. I align myself with him more than any other candidate ideologically, but I fear he will be Ross Perot '92 over again. Well that's my musings for the day, but I want to know what you are thinking about Mayor Giuliani leaving.

The Minnich's Musings' Grand Opening

2008-01-28T10:53:00.002-08:00

To be honest with you, I really have never wanted to do a blog. And quite honestly, I don't know that anyone will ever read my blog. I know that that is not the most likely sentence to start out a blog, but it is true. I really have never been the most popular person, and I really have never been the quietest person. I have kind of always been right in the middle. I have friends, but I don't command one's attention. I have friends like that. We all do. With just being in the middle of the pack, my thoughts and opinions usually never got heard. This is my chance. This blog is for everyone out there who never gets a chance to give their opinions, their thoughts, their ramblings, or their musings. This blog will be about a variety of subjects from history, to political science, to technology, to entertainment, to sports, to ministry, and even to absolutely nothing. Unfortunately, these are not video posts, so you won't get any of my animated leg beatings, or violent bursts of temper, or even my "hold to a last resort" accents. But, whatever is posted, it will defintely all be the Minnich's Musings.